Hey I had a quick question, has anyone, or does anyone have an recommendations on tipping the front desk in order to hopefully get a better room or suite at check in. I have heard rumors that this works. I am going during the slow season of December and was hoping to get a nicer room. Any help would be great. Thanks

Thank you so much for the great response to this forum. I am surprised it has lasted over three years. I hope we can keep it going for many more.

-----------------------------------------------------PLEASE refrain from cluttering up this thread by asking: Will the $20 tip work here? What if I booked my room via abc travel? The chances of you having the exact same set of circumstances as another person at the same property are pretty slim, so asking "will this work here or there" is kind of fruitless.

This thread is just a place for people to post their experiences specific to tips given in hopes of an upgrade...no one can predict what your $20 tip will yield you from the clerk behind the desk on such and such day at your hotel for your undertermined length of stay. See the statistics just below if you think they are relevant -or- use the "search this topic" function at the top of this page to find your hotel.

Try the tip if you like and contribute to this thread by posting your results.-------------------------------------------------------

if you click the [ Text Only ] at the top of the page... it will bring up a window with the whole thread in it.. that you can then search for a key word using your browsers Find function CTRL-F in IE...makes finding comments about Wynn or Bellagio much easier than speed reading through the entire thread.

When posting your story, please use the following format to keep things organized and neat:

How It Happened:------------------------------------------------------------

Update on MGM (Mar 2007):

Notice how the MGM rates fairly low on this success list?

A very close friend of mine actually works at the front desk at MGM. If you are doing the tipping thing, please be very, very discreet, and definitely sandwich it between card/license. It's grounds for dismissal at MGM if front desk reps accept tips in exchange for upgrading.

MGM has instituted a program where reps will earn extra commission by SELLING customers upgrades. So... in short, $20 isn't really worth it to them if they risk getting fired. So definitely be discreet, and don't get angry if you find that they'll simply return your offer.

Only time will tell whether corporate policy will work its way through its other properties (Bellagio, Mirage...)------------------------------------------------------------

sometimes just asking gets you an upgrade. ive been upgraded from garden view to ocean front in hawaii simply by asking nicely when nobody else was around.

it helps if youre friendly, of course.

SonOfZeus

Ancient Member

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 3:32p

molecule said: sometimes just asking gets you an upgrade. ive been upgraded from garden view to ocean front in hawaii simply by asking nicely when nobody else was around.

it helps if youre friendly, of course.

Hawaii != Vegas .

ucbedge

Ancient Member

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 3:49p

While you may not get an upgraded room, you will certainly get a funny look.

Lets put it this way: those friends who tipped and got the upgraded room probably wouldve gotten that same room if they just asked nicely. Not only that, but some front desk agents may get offended if you try to bribe them like that.

calguy77 said: Hey I had a quick question, has anyone, or does anyone have an recommendations on tipping the front deak in order to hopefully get a better room or suite at check in. I have heard rumors that this works. I am going during the slow season of december and was hoping to get a nicer room. Any help would be great. Thanks

Superkman

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 5:07p

I would like to humbly disagree with the other posters in this thread- tipping the check in clerk can definitely work. This is called the "$20 trick" (google it if you so desire). I was just in Las Vegas on Aug 14, staying at the Treasure Island. Upon check in, I simply had a folded $20 under my credit card and handed it to the clerk when he asked for my credit card. We were upgraded to a suite room and he sent up a bottle of champagne on the house as well. It was fantastic, and the wife was very impressed!

Of course, YMMV, but I'm heading back to Vegas on Sunday and I'm going to try the trick again. I'll post to this thread with the results next week upon my return.

SonOfZeus

Ancient Member

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 5:17p

Superkman said: Upon check in, I simply had a folded $20 under my credit card and handed it to the clerk when he asked for my credit card.

What would you have done if the clerk kept the 20 and didn't upgrade you?

wadew

Tired Member

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 5:58p

SonOfZeus said: What would you have done if the clerk kept the 20 and didn't upgrade you?The times that they haven't been able to help me with an "upgrade", they've always given the tip back to me. Some of them even mention that they "didn't take" the tip since they couldn't help. I think the $20 trick does work, it just depends on who checks you in, where you're staying, etc.

The $20 tip works, have used it a couple of times so far with great success!

chuzzlewit

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 6:45p

SonOfZeus said: Superkman said: Upon check in, I simply had a folded $20 under my credit card and handed it to the clerk when he asked for my credit card.

What would you have done if the clerk kept the 20 and didn't upgrade you?

Com'on folks, imagine yourself slaving away for 5 bucks an hour. A discrete $20 tax-free tip will get results. After all, those desk jockeys are there to make money, not volunteering. Next time you're sitting around for an hour at a restaurant, realize that a 10-spot will get you a table right away.

wutsdadealio

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Oct. 10, 2005 @ 7:55p

It helps if you have played in their casino before and have a player's card there, they can look up your action and base their decision on that. I got a free upgrade this way before. I didn't even play there that much (time and money-wise) my last time there. Didn't have to tip the clerk either although I probably should have.

Whatever room you get, try to get one close to an elevator as some of those walks can take forever in some of the larger Vegas hotels.

dorkyden

Senior Member - 2K

posted: Oct. 11, 2005 @ 2:43a

I tried it and it worked in LV hilton. Last time when I went to Sahara (I know its super ghetto but it was a last min trip...) my clerk rejected my offer, while my friend got upgraded to the top floor suite by another clerk.

I think it may work better in cheaper hotels since I guess their employees get paid less. I didnt bother when I was at Venetian since all of their rooms are nice. good luck and tell us your story!

6race

Happy Member

posted: Oct. 11, 2005 @ 3:35a

Why do people hate their own money in Vegas?

joems

Member

posted: Oct. 11, 2005 @ 12:10p

I am a former Front Desk Agent. I worked at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek, Co. I encountered the "$20 Trick" a couple times, and basically I upgraded people depending on availability and current room status.... I once had someone tip me $20 who already had a Suite, so I gave him the room he was already assigned to, he was still very satisified...

Couple Tips1. Know the availablity of the hotel during your stay... Call Ahead2. Know what you want... do you want a Suite? Do you want a better view?3. Know how much the upgrade would be... tip more for a suite, than a view...4. Be very nice!!!! Very Important!

JustLJ

Senior Member - 2K

posted: Oct. 11, 2005 @ 12:38p

calguy77 said: Hey I had a quick question, has anyone, or does anyone have an recommendations on tipping the front deak...?

Most hotels clerks accept it and do their best in my experience, but recently, at The Hotel at mandalay, they simply said, "sure, we can upgrade you, that will be an extra $75 a night."

some hotels are charging more for upgrades...

Neel

ternyik

New Member

posted: Oct. 11, 2005 @ 9:01p

I've heard that you can get a comped room simply by asking the front desk to hold a $10,000 cashier's check in their safe for you. You don't even have to cash the check. Get the comped room and return the check to your bank after the trip.

I haven't tried this yet. But a friend of mine has a couple of times and it's worked for him. Anyone else do this?

dorkyden

Senior Member - 2K

posted: Oct. 12, 2005 @ 9:41a

ternyik said: I've heard that you can get a comped room simply by asking the front desk to hold a $10,000 cashier's check in their safe for you. You don't even have to cash the check. Get the comped room and return the check to your bank after the trip.

I haven't tried this yet. But a friend of mine has a couple of times and it's worked for him. Anyone else do this?

are you sure he wasnt BSing you? that doesnt make much sense. the casino wants to comp people who are gambling, not people with money locked up in the bank. they have a pretty complicated way to rate people (ie to calculate how much comp credit they have earned by the way they gamble), you know.

calguy77

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 12, 2005 @ 10:44a

Thanks for all the help. I'm staying at the Bellagio and am going to be hoping to get a suite upgrade. I'm going in December. There are no conventions. it's mid week and it is usually pretty quiet that time. Do you think $20 is enough for a suite, or should I do more since its the Bellagio. Thanks again for the help

TheTrolley

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Oct. 12, 2005 @ 11:37a

Personally, i get tons of comps in Las Vegas...free suites, free meals and its all about asking.

Check out the book "COMP CITY" by Max Rubin.

Lots of hints on how to maximize your casino vacation.

Superkman

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 12, 2005 @ 1:58p

calguy-

at the Bellagio you better pony up more than $20 if you want an upgrade. Just my opinion, but at the higher end places, the $20 is going to be pocket change for them

spanky42

Broke Member

posted: Oct. 12, 2005 @ 2:17p

ha, $20 at the bellagio for a suite upgrade?? not quite enough...

Lugs

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Oct. 13, 2005 @ 12:54a

SonOfZeus said:

Hawaii != Vegas .

Ya, but I'm interested in hearing about people's success with this in all sorts of hotels. Most of my vacations ARE in Vegas, but I'm interested in upgrading my non-Vegas hotel this weekend...

Anyone had success at regular hotel chains, like the Hilton/Hampton Suites..?

Nice thread topic OP.

calguy77

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 17, 2005 @ 2:15p

What happens if you don't have 10,000 to give them, or if they cash it, would suck.

SKYravefever

Thrifty Member

posted: Oct. 18, 2005 @ 11:47a

ternyik said: I've heard that you can get a comped room simply by asking the front desk to hold a $10,000 cashier's check in their safe for you. You don't even have to cash the check. Get the comped room and return the check to your bank after the trip.

I haven't tried this yet. But a friend of mine has a couple of times and it's worked for him. Anyone else do this?

I can see it now, upon checkout...

"May I have my cashier's check from the safe?""What cashier's check?"

figment6498

Member

posted: Oct. 18, 2005 @ 12:46p

Hi,When requesting an upgrade, it is important to clarify your request by asking if there are any complimentary upgrades available. Also, the $20.00 trick works at the Bellagio as well as it does anywhere else. Just because it is the Bellagio does not indicate that desk clerks get compensated more.

dkcs

Charter Member

posted: Oct. 18, 2005 @ 5:53p

I was upgraded to a suite ($350 a night) at the Orleans just for asking upon check in! I originally booked the cheapest room they had for a Saturday night ($100) and was hoping for a free upgrade to a view room but was shocked when they upgraded me to a top floor suite.

FYI: I've never stayed at any of the Gold Coast hotels before and I don't belong to any of their clubs.

darren

theGlove

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 19, 2005 @ 1:04a

the $20 trick works because.... that's how much it costs to get an upgrade.ie, normal room = 60 , upgraded roomm = 75, etc.

wutsdadealio

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Oct. 19, 2005 @ 4:32p

theGlove said: the $20 trick works because.... that's how much it costs to get an upgrade.ie, normal room = 60 , upgraded roomm = 75, etc.

I agree, when you go online to check room prices the difference in price between the standard and next room up might even be less than $20 depending on the hotel. I'd make sure you know this info and the kind of suite you want (jacuzzi, presidential, etc) before you offer $20.

JerseyJay

Senior Member - 1K

posted: Oct. 20, 2005 @ 12:37a

theGlove said: the $20 trick works because.... that's how much it costs to get an upgrade.ie, normal room = 60 , upgraded roomm = 75, etc.

Sure but how about when you're staying more than one night? Most people go to Vegas for 3-5 nights. Even taking your example, the $15 more per night would add up to $45-$75 extra for a 3-5 night stay. Most places charge more than the $15 that you mention for an upgraded room or suites depending on the class on hotel you're staying at.

We stayed at the Aladdin last year and tried the "$20 trick" and were given an upgrade for the duration of our 4 night stay that would have cost us about $200 more if we had booked it in advance.

mrredskin

Senior Member - 4K

posted: Oct. 20, 2005 @ 12:50a

dorkyden said: I tried it and it worked in LV hilton. Last time when I went to Sahara (I know its super ghetto but it was a last min trip...) my clerk rejected my offer, while my friend got upgraded to the top floor suite by another clerk.

I think it may work better in cheaper hotels since I guess their employees get paid less. I didnt bother when I was at Venetian since all of their rooms are nice. good luck and tell us your story!

dont diss on my sahara. it's a college student's type of budget hotel for sure. plus it has the best hold'em tourney in vegas, as vegas locals will agree. hotel room for 32 a night split by 4 people is great.

calguy77

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 20, 2005 @ 10:33a

Has any one tried it at the Bellagio, Luxor or Mandalay Bay? So i walk up to the desk have a twenty on the counter and say "Are there any complimentary upgrades available to a suite for my stay?" Hoping the front desk clerk gets the hint? Does that sound responsible enough?

CASunBoy

New Member

posted: Oct. 20, 2005 @ 12:20p

I'm finding this topic quite interesting. I will be at the Luxor tomm. morning (Friday) and will give a report on whether the infamous $20 tipping worked for me. Time will tell...

Superkman

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 20, 2005 @ 1:17p

Hello all,

Just returned from 3 nights at Mandalay Bay last night and the $20 trick worked like a champ! We were upgraded to an executive suite (700 Sq Feet, couch, jacuzzi tub, huge bathroom, mini- fridge, etc.)

What I have done that seems to work well is having the $20 bill folded under the credit card they ask for at check in. They usually thank you, then you casually mention that if there are any better rooms available, you sure would appreciate it. It seems to work really well.

I love this thread- let's keep hearing the stories of success/failure!

JakeTheSnake

Senior Member - 4K

posted: Oct. 20, 2005 @ 9:17p

CASunBoy said: I'm finding this topic quite interesting. I will be at the Luxor tomm. morning (Friday) and will give a report on whether the infamous $20 tipping worked for me. Time will tell...

Ask them to upgrade you to a jacuzzi suite in the pyramid...to die for!!!

calguy77

Senior Member

posted: Oct. 21, 2005 @ 2:21p

What happens if you hand them the $20 and they don't give you the upgrade?

wiseguy1100

Senior Member - 2K

posted: Oct. 21, 2005 @ 2:49p

calguy77 said: What happens if you hand them the $20 and they don't give you the upgrade?

How it happened: She saw the $20 bill right away and flat out told me there are no complimentary upgrades. She even told me she could get fired. I asked for newer room and got quoted $35 more per night for Grand King. I asked for discount and she told me they don't offer discount. If I remember correctly, Travelocity was charging $10 more per night for Grand King. I had to say I was disappointed but not going to give up trying. Wish me luck next time. Yes, I got my $20 back.

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